Description
These Pink Grapefruit Dessert Bars feature a buttery shortbread crust topped with a vibrant, tangy grapefruit custard for a refreshing, show-stopping treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh pink grapefruit juice
- 1 tbsp pink grapefruit zest
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour, divided
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 tsp salt, divided
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, combine 3/4 cup flour, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1/8 tsp salt. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse sand. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 18–20 minutes, until lightly golden.
- While the crust bakes, whisk together the eggs and remaining 3/4 cup sugar until pale and glossy. Stir in grapefruit juice, zest, remaining 1/4 cup flour, and remaining 1/8 tsp salt until smooth.
- Pour the grapefruit mixture over the hot crust and return to the oven. Bake for 23–28 minutes, until the custard is just set with a slight jiggle in the center.
- Cool completely in the pan, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Use the parchment to lift out and slice into bars. Dust with powdered sugar before serving if desired.
Notes
- Top with grapefruit zest, candied peel, or edible flowers for decoration.
- Pair with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
- To present beautifully, use cupcake liners or a tiered stand, or drizzle with a light glaze.
- Store refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze by wrapping tightly in plastic and foil; thaw in fridge before serving.
- Allow to come to room temperature before serving for best texture; avoid microwaving.
- Use high-quality bottled juice only if fresh juice isn’t available.
- Bake in additional 2-minute intervals if custard isn’t set; it will firm up as it cools.
- Double recipe for a 9×13-inch pan; adjust bake time slightly.
- Add beet powder or pink food coloring for a more vivid color.
- Substitute some grapefruit with orange or lime juice for a flavor twist.
